Aug. 26: The South Korean authorities were checking signs that the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Il, was visiting China by special train on Thursday, an official in the presidential office of South Korea said.
South Korean news media, including the national news agency, Yonhap, and the mass-circulation daily, Chosun, reported the information in their websites. “We have signs that Kim Jong-Il is visiting China,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the matter. “It’s unclear whether he has arrived or still on the move.”
A government intelligence official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, agreed that there were such signs. He declined to discuss details.
If confirmed, this would mark Mr Kim’s sixth trip to China, his impoverished country’s largest trade and aid provider, and his second in three months.
North Korea and China usually do not confirm a trip by Mr Kim until after it is over. Reports of Mr Kim travelling to China came a day after former United States President Jimmy Carter flew to Pyongyang on Wednesday to win the release of an American held prisoner in the North. There has been no word on whether Mr Carter met Mr Kim.
It would be highly unusual for Mr Kim to leave his country to visit its old Communist ally, China, at this time, as an important guest from the United States was visiting his country. Early September, North Korea is to convene an important meeting of representatives of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
Officials said they would monitor the meeting for clues about Mr Kim’s plans to hand over power to his third son, Kim Jong-un. Yonhap reported the possibility that the father was taking his son with him on his latest trip, possibly to introduce him to Chinese leaders.